Arbaki Fighters Provide Security in Isa Khan Village

KUNDUZ, AFGHANISTAN

08.19.2010

Courtesy Story

1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division

Two soldiers of a Low-Level Voice Intercept team from Bravo Company, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion recently conducted a four day mission in support of Afghan National Security Forces and the International Security Assistance Force in the villages of Isa Khan and Gor Teppah in Northern Afghanistan.

The team traveled with cavalry scouts from 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment to an Arbaki compound with a mission of instructing basic military tasks ranging from routine vehicle maintenance to road clearing operations.

Arbaki is a type of armed civilian neighborhood watch.

While there, the team lived with the Arbaki. They took the opportunity to learn about them and their community and realize that even though their two cultures and backgrounds were different they were serving the same cause.

The Arbaki voluntarily protect and provide security for their village. Several times they have worked in cooperation with ANSF and ISAF.

“It appears that not only are they eager to receive support for what they have been doing voluntarily for as long as protection was needed,” said Spc. Thomas Berquam, one of the LLVI team members. “But they are also eager to work hand in hand with the U.S. Forces.”

“It was very comforting to us to know that our hard work is paying off in the form of independent national forces ready to step up and start defending their nation, even after we've been long gone,” added the other team member, Sgt. Patrick Ritter.

The Arbaki’s main focus is protecting their families and neighbors.

During the mission, the team had regular interactions with both the Arbaki soldiers and their children. The children were excited to be around their fathers and the American soldiers, eager to learn everything they could. The children were fascinated by the soldiers and curiously watched everything they did, including menial tasks like guard or burning trash.

An added incentive for the children was the prospect of food and candy that flows in excess whenever soldiers travel to mentor the Arbaki.

“It was motivating to us – making us feel a little like local stars, which of course made us very much want to share our rations,” Berquam said.

Ritter brought along a bag of candy, which made him a favorite among the children.

The Arbaki are eager to continue learning and helping secure their villages. In return the American soldiers are more than eager to share whatever they can with them.

The team’s experience shows that from the oldest villager to the youngest child, there are many ready to stand up for their country.

• Date Taken: 08.19.2010
• Date Posted: 08.19.2010 00:44
• Story ID: 54814
• Location: KUNDUZ, AF